Whilst the new coalition still must overcome the hurdle of being elected by the Knesset, it now looks highly likely that Benjamin Netanyahu will no longer be the Prime Minister of Israel after 12 years in power.
The new government will be made up of right-wing nationalists, centrist parties, Labour and Meretz and for the first time in Israel’s history an Arab party – Ra’am. It includes a number of parties, including Ra’am, that are conservative on social issues in Israel, whether related to conflict, LGBTQ issues, women’s rights or the treatment of asylum seekers.
Yamina’s leader, Naftali Bennet, will act as Prime Minister for the first two years. His party is committed to strengthening Jewish presence in the West Bank and we know this coalition will not end the occupation or the conflict.
Nonetheless, this will be the most diverse coalition in Israel’s history, representing the broadest cross section of Israeli society. Right-wing positions on the conflict will not go unchallenged. It has already broken the taboo that Arab parties cannot be part of the equation, creating a wealth of future possibilities.
A new government will bring an end to the 12-year rule of Benjamin Netanyahu. Under his dominion the occupation has been even more deeply entrenched, inequality and division have grown, democracy has withered, and Israel’s relationship with the diaspora has significantly weakened.
This isn’t the end of the battle. But there are reasons to be hopeful about the future and we embrace the change, along with the millions of Israelis who have been fighting for change through four elections, to try and create a better, fairer and more democratic Israel.
Unity Government:
— Yachad UK (@YachadUK) June 3, 2021
This coalition won't end the occupation or the conflict. Still, this will be the most diverse coalition in Israel’s history, representing the broadest cross section of Israeli society.
This isn’t the end of the battle. But there are reasons to be hopeful. pic.twitter.com/0R2a3Nuuiq